Used CEREC Experts | (844) 385-4376

This is by far the most common question I field in my line of work and is a simple question with a complicated answer. There are so many considerations that it makes an apples to apples comparison quite difficult. In order to provide a “simple-ish” answer, I am going to exclude Redcam and Bluecam from consideration. I am also going to break the answer into two parts: the Omnicam Acquisition Center and the milling unit.

Used Omnicam vs New Omnicam

Generally speaking, Omnicam ACs don’t change a whole lot year over year. You will see a few hardware changes such as an updated processor or graphics card(s), but a 2012 Omnicam is by and large the same machine as a 2018 model. The biggest consideration is whether or not the Omnicam camera is Shade Guide compatible. The ability of the Omnicam camera to detect the tooth shade while scanning was a new feature introduced with CEREC 4.5.2 software. Some of the 2012-2013 production year Omnicam ACs do not have Shade Guide compatible cameras. You can check by entering the Omnicam’s serial number (not to be confused with the AC serial number) into Dentsply Sirona’s database located here. You can find the serial number by removing the mirror sleeve and looking for the number written on the optics tube.

Software is available for free as part of CEREC club membership, so the current software version on a used Omnicam is not a huge consideration because it can be updated to the latest version, which as of today is 4.6.

Used Milling Unit vs New Milling Unit

Part two of the used CEREC vs new CEREC answer requires me to get quite a bit more in-depth. In 2013, Sirona re-branded its milling units, which makes it more difficult to make direct comparisons, but I will do my best to simplify the changes.

2007-2012 MC XL = 2013-2015 MC X

These milling units are by far the most commonly found on the used market. Aside from the name change and going from an automatic block chuck to a manual block chuck these mills are virtually identical, with nearly all the same capabilities. The major change came in 2013, when Sirona added the ability to wet mill zirconia, resins, models, and temporary materials with their Shaper 25 RZ and Finisher 10 Carbide burs. This milling strategy differed from the wet grind process used with glass ceramics and ceramic hybrids. A CEREC MC XL with a serial number >129001 or CEREC MC X with a serial number >231001 is required to use Carbide burs along with CEREC 4.3 SW or higher. If a milling unit’s serial number is below the aforementioned requirements, then it would require a motor upgrade to be Carbide bur compatible.

2007-2012 inLab MC XL = 2013-2015 MC XL Premium Package

These four-motor milling units are not as commonly found, but you will find a few out there. The inLab MC XL was designed for use in lab settings, but was replaced in favor of the MC X5 wet/dry 5-axis milling unit. Because there remained demand for a practice lab type milling unit, Sirona repackaged the inLab MC XL into the MC XL Premium Package, complete with 4-motors and a built-in touchscreen control. The MC XL Premium Package allows the user to produce custom abutments, milled models, long-span bridges, multi-layer design, and full quadrant restorations. The two motor sets also allow the user to keep different bur sets (i.e. Step Bur 12S/Cylinder Pointed Bur 12S on set 1 and Shaper 25 RZ and Finisher 10 on set 2) to save time while going back and forth from ceramics to other materials.

2007-2015 Mills vs 2016-Current Mills

The main difference between pre-2016 mills and the current group is the ability to dry mill zirconia blocks (subject to certain requirements).

Essentially, the latest model mills have vents inside the milling chamber that suck out the dry dust into an external suction unit. This capability allows the user to skip the pre-drying time during sintering of zirconium oxide. When using Dentsply Sirona’s SpeedFire sintering furnace this pre-drying cycle takes ≈ 12 minutes. According to Dentsply Sirona, this time savings is the only benefit of the dry mill feature.

Simple-ish Put Another Way

If my “simple-ish” answer gave you a headache, then perhaps this format is more helpful:

You: Yes, I like glass ceramics and hybrids, but I’d be willing to invest more in a system that could do both.

→Then look for a CEREC package at least 2013 or newer with a milling unit serial number > 202001 (MC), > 231001 (MC X), > 129001 (MC XL), > 129001 (inLab MC XL), or > 302001 (MC XL Premium Package) that will allow you to wet mill zirconia. You will also need 4.3 CEREC SW, Premium Software 4.4, or Premium CAM Software 4.4 or later and Shaper 25 RZ/Finisher 10 carbide burs. In order to sinter your zirconia restorations, you will need a sintering furnace such as Dentsply Sirona’s SpeedFire or Ivoclar Vivadent’s Programat CS4. FYI- the SpeedFire is the fastest furnace available for sintering zirconia (10-15 mins), but it takes roughly 2.5x as long as any of the CS series furnaces to crystallize e.max (≈ 45 mins). So it might not be a bad idea to have a Programat CS/CS2/CS3 AND the SpeedFire OR the well-rounded CS4 if you plan to use both kinds of materials. The CS4 can speed crystallize e.max in ≈ 17 minutes, but it takes much longer than the SpeedFire (≈ 37 mins) to sinter zirconia after wet milling.

What is the trade-off between a wet mill vs. wet/dry mill?

It’s your typical trade-off scenario: time vs. money. When using a SpeedFire furnace, a wet/dry mill will save you ≈ 12 minutes in the sintering phase for zirconium oxide. When using a CS4 furnace, the time savings drops to ≈ 8 minutes.

The average sales price of a used Omnicam, Milling Unit, and Oven in 2018 (according to our sales records) was $54,000 with a range of $37,000-$75,000. Because most of these transactions occurred between parties in different states, there were no taxes.

Contrast that to the $152,365 bill for an Omnicam ($68,995), MC XL Premium Package ($71,000), Suction Unit ($1,375), and SpeedFire Furnace ($10,995). After local and state taxes this particular client in Utah paid $163,325.57! This cost does not yet take into account any finance charges.

So the real question becomes, does 8-12 minutes of extra production time per zirconium unit (and no difference with glass ceramics or hybrid materials) justify paying another $109,000 + finance charges?

I’ll leave that for you to decide, but as the notes on those 2016 wet/dry models reach maturity around 2021 or so they will enter the secondary market en masse, making this new vs. used CEREC debate pretty cut and dry (pun intended).

CAD/CAM HERO wants you to have the best possible purchasing experience! So in addition to top notch packing/shipping, we now offer CEREC installation services. You do not have to purchase the CEREC from us to use our installation service.

Your installation service includes:

Unpacking/Clean-up

Set-up

Testing

and Calibration

The cost for this service is $500 + travel costs from Fort Worth, TX (this service is only available to residents of the contiguous United States at this time).

To get a quote for CEREC installation, please e-mail sales@cadcamhero.com.

Starting September 1, 2018, CAD/CAM HERO, LLC is now offering a 30-day parts and labor warranty with all CEREC systems we sell. This is in addition to unlimited TeamViewer and phone support (normally $100/hour for non-customers).

We understand that purchasing high-value equipment sight-unseen over the Internet can be a worrisome experience. We take the needed time and follow a detailed process to ensure that our listings are up-to-date, accurate, and honest. Whether it be updating optimal drivers, deleting old patient data, or simply wiping down the exterior of the machine, we go the extra-mile for our customers. We are your eyes, ears, and hands as we perform our due diligence on your behalf. Not only that, your CEREC will come expertly packed and shipped in an export-certified wood crate (built to withstand 10,000 lbs of force!) so you receive your investment safe and sound. You can feel confident in your decision to purchase any CAD/CAM HERO CEREC system.

If you are considering selling your CEREC machine, the same process that reassures buyers also protects our clients. We assist in getting your equipment into pre-sale condition and address any issues up front, so there are no headaches later. We take care of the entire process beginning with a free inspection all the way to packing and shipping. This business model has led to hundreds of happy clients and we hope you’ll join them as well.

Last but not least, we appreciate your support of CAD/CAM HERO for the last 3+ years and helping us sell more than $3.06 million worth of used CERECs and counting! We hope to continue helping both buyers and sellers with their CEREC-related needs for many more years to come.

The latest iteration of CEREC software was officially announced June 7, 2018, although as with previous software versions, rollout is likely to be done in phases through Q3 and Q4 2018. With this new software version Dentsply Sirona has made it faster and easier to produce a restoration than ever before, claiming an excellent restoration can be accomplished with just 5 clicks of your mouse. Previously tedious processes such as setting the preparation margin and model axis have been fully automatized using artificial intelligence. This systematic automation in addition to a 20% faster calculation time, improved proposals from the Biojaw algorithm, and seamless integration with both CEREC Connect and inLab software make this update quite the accomplishment. Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of the improvements.

CAD/CAM HERO is pleased to announce a training partnership with Dr. Bin Hoang, DDS of San Juan Capistrano, CA. Dr. Hoang is a 12-year CEREC veteran, Spear Faculty Club Member and AAID, ICOI, and IALD fellow. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CAD/CAM HERO’s trainer affiliation program and we are excited to refer him to our customers. Please find additional information about Dr. Hoang and his services below:

As was the case with the 4.4 release, the 4.5 software is geared almost exclusively towards the Omnicam scanner. Automatic shade detection is perhaps the most attractive new feature in the latest version of CEREC design software. Unfortunately, it looks like the early Omnicam cameras (2012-2013) don’t have the hardware components built into them to take advantage of this feature. In response to this, Dentsply Sirona is offering CEREC Club members without a compatible camera a “low-cost” exchange option. For $3,400, you can trade in your Omnicam camera for a new one (REF 6625797) that is shade detection compatible.

To find out if your Omnicam camera is compatible with this new feature or not, visit https://my.cerec.com/en/products/cerec-sw.html and submit your Omnicam’s serial number. The website has instructions on how to find out your Omnicam’s serial number as well as additional information on other software changes.

Bad news for Compact Milling unit owners: your trusty old workhorse is officially no longer supported in the 4.5 software version. The MC, MC X and MC XL are the only mills able to take advantage of the improvements to the BioJaw algorithms and completely new milling/grinding strategies for the internal surfaces and external contacts. If you have both a compact mill and one of the compatible milling units, you can run both 4.4 and 4.5 software on the same acquisition unit and switch back and forth on a case-by-case basis. If you want to trade in your compact mill for a 4.5 compatible milling unit, Patterson is offering up to $20,000 in discounts through September 1, 2017.

Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.

-Malcolm Gladwell

Happy New Year from CAD/CAM HERO! The start of a new journey around the sun is a great time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the one ahead. If one of your goals this year is to add CEREC dentistry to your practice, then you’ve come to the right place. This blog post aims to provide up-to-date market information to help readers with making a CEREC purchase in 2017.

Scanners

Let’s start with scanning systems. Sirona currently sells two versions of their CEREC Acquisition Centers: Bluecam and Omnicam. You can view a comparison of the Bluecam and Omnicam below:

What’s the functional difference between a new Bluecam AC and a used Bluecam AC?

At best, the computer hardware offers superior performance, but it’s definitely not a given. Sirona stopped making new hardware configurations for the Bluecam ACs in 2012. So any new Bluecams sold today are really no better than those sold five years ago. Considering there are many used Bluecam options available for under $10,000, purchasing a new Bluecam is akin to donating an assistant’s annual salary to a $13.3 billion dollar company. Needless to say, that would be an inexplicable waste of money.

What’s the functional difference between a new Omnicam AC and a used Omnicam AC?

Not much. As is the case with Bluecams, the only difference in technology between the Omnicams over the years are minor computer hardware updates (processor and/or graphics cards). These updates produce minimal performance enhancements that most likely go unnoticed by the casual user. However, unlike with Bluecams, there is a major shortage of used Omnicams available in the secondary marketplace. This is because 99% of used Omnicam ACs are being sold in combination with a milling unit and oven. Any solo Omnicam AC that hits the market is usually snatched up within a matter of days. Unless a new scanner is released by Dentsply Sirona in 2017, I do not anticipate this market condition to change anytime soon. If you do happen to find an Omnicam for sale outside of a package deal, expect to pay an asking price in the $40s.

How old is too old when it comes to CEREC ACs?

This question mainly applies to Bluecams, because no Omnicams are “too old”. I want to start off by saying that ALL CEREC ACs (even older Bluecams) can run the latest CEREC software without issue. This is because the Bluecam camera is less taxing on the computer system than the Omnicam camera, thus it can make do with older components. However, if you feel the need for speed you can soup up any Bluecam with a few easily installed upgrades at a cost of around $500. I recommend you add an MSI GeForce GTX 650 Ti graphics card, a solid state drive, and additional RAM.

Which CEREC software versions or licenses should I look for?

The last chargeable update that required a new license to use is version 4.4– released in September 2015. The latest service pack update is 4.4.4, which was released in October 2016. The service packs can be downloaded from Sirona for free. If you are considering an AC that needs to be updated to 4.4, the only pre-requisite license required is 4.0. In other words, as long as you have the 4.0 base license you can skip 4.2 and 4.3 on your way to 4.4. It’s not necessary to have all four licenses to upgrade.

Other licenses you should be aware of include:

Connect 4.0: allows you to use Sirona’s Connect 4.x software versions so you can send cases to approved labs for fabrication. You can download this software for free here.

Ortho SW 1.0: allows you to create digital models in CEREC Ortho software for Invisalign treatment. This software only works with Omnicams.

Open GALILEOS Implant: allows you to use Sirona’s implant planning software in conjunction with a Sirona 3D x-ray to make CEREC or SICAT surgical guides.

CEREC 4.3 SW: released July 2014. Prerequisite for CEREC Guide 2. Full software description available here.

CEREC 4.2 SW: released June 2013. Expands design options to include: customized implant abutments, smile design (use a patient photo to virtually place a restoration to see how the patient looks), and a virtual articulator to simulate the patient’s jaw movements so the user can find the static and dynamic contact points.

CEREC 3.8 SW: released August 2010. This is older gen software mainly geared towards CEREC 3 users. If you are considering a CEREC AC with 3.8 SW, factor in the cost to upgrade immediately using 4.x software/licenses sold on eBay.

What other factors should I consider when purchasing a used AC?

The prismatic lens sleeve is a consumable part that can be expensive to replace. Check for a clear lens that does not interfere with acquisition quality.

Be sure to ask if the seller has the camera calibration kit to include with the sale.

Hardware upgrades are nice, but if the upgrade was not performed by a Patterson technician then any remaining factory warranty is void.

Milling Units

Sirona currently offers a range of milling options in an effort to cater to different needs and price points:

CEREC MC- offers indications similar to the old classic milling units. This mill is designed for practices who focus on single-tooth inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers. It is capable of working with blocks up to 20 mm in size.

CEREC MC X- this mill occupies the role held by the MC XL milling unit up until 2013. It offers a full range of chairside indications and builds upon the MC’s capabilities by also fabricating bridges, abutments, surgical guides and blocks up to 40 mm.

CEREC MC XL Practice Lab- formerly known as the MC XL Premium Package. This mill is easily identifiable by its 4-motor milling chamber and is made for the dental practice with an onsite lab. In addition to the indications of the MC X, it can fabricate bridge frameworks, customized implant abutments, surgical guides, telescopes, bars, attachments and blocks up to 85 mm.

What’s the functional difference between a used milling unit and a new milling unit?

Sirona has made both branding and functional changes to their milling unit portfolio over the past few years.. This has created a lot of confusion among prospective CEREC owners as they attempt to compare used mills with the latest offerings. For example, the MC XL is now called the MC X, and the MC XL Premium is now known as the MC XL Practice Lab. Marketing strategies aside, the bottom line is that used milling units have 90% of the functionality that new milling units have. The one specific capability that sets the new milling units apart is the ability to dry mill. In March 2016, Sirona equipped their latest line of mills with new precision tools and a device to vacuum up mill shavings. The resulting achievement was a dry carbide milling option in addition to the traditional wet grinding functionality. This dry mill capability along with Sirona’s new SpeedFire sintering furnace are the backbone of Sirona’s Chairside Zirconia workflow.

Can you wet mill zirconia blocks with older milling units?

Yes. Beginning in 2013, Sirona milling units came standard with carbide bur compatible motors and offered to upgrade older mills for existing users as well. Any milling unit with a serial number higher than the following will have a carbide bur compatible motor:

129001 (MC XL)

302001 (MC XL Practice Lab)

231001 (MC X)

202001 (MC)

In addition to the motor you will need a manual block chuck, carbide and zirconia burs (Shaper 25rz, Shaper 25, Finisher 10), and a sintering oven to finish the restoration.

Administrative

How does Patterson handle the transfer of ownership among CEREC users?

Your Patterson rep might give you the silent treatment for a little while until they get over the loss of their commission, but most of our customers report seamless ownership transfers. There is a one page form called the Notice of Change in Practice Ownership (the title is kind of misleading) that is completed by both the buyer and the seller. The form is then submitted by the seller to their local Patterson branch for processing. There is no fee to transfer ownership of a CEREC.

Will I be able to get service and support from Patterson/Sirona if I buy used versus new?

Yes. Sirona has a contract with its distributors that stipulates they must service and support all systems originally sold within their distribution territories. If the CEREC was originally sold by Patterson in the USA, then they are required to support that system whether you were the original purchaser or not. This is not to say that all CERECs you’ll find in the secondary market are eligible for service and support. Some US users will import CERECs from Europe because they cost much less there than in the states. In that case, you would probably get virtual support from Sirona Germany directly, but likely very little help from Patterson. It is important to get the serial numbers of the units you are considering before making a purchase and running them by the CEREC specialists at the Patterson Technology Center. If you come across any unit that does not have a serial number, then you’d be on your own if that machine ever went down.

How long does Sirona warranty a CEREC system and is it transferable to a new owner?

Sirona provides a 7-year warranty from the original date of installation if the machines are enrolled in the service club. You can enroll in the service club at any time and enjoy the remainder of the warranty, even if the original owner was not a service club member.

How much does the service club cost to join?

Doctor to doctor transfers are free of charge. That means if you purchase a used CEREC that was not active on the service club, and decide to sign up, you can do so without paying a penalty. There is a “joiners fee” (up to $2,000) for original owners who forego the service club and decide to join at a later date (like when their machine goes down or they want a free software upgrade). The monthly service club fee is $299 + tax.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading. What questions do you have? Please e-mail them to thecadcamhero@gmail.com so we can build upon this post!

If you would like expert and effective help with purchasing or selling a used CEREC system, call the used CEREC experts at (844) 385-4376.

The topic of implantology has become a recurring theme in my conversations with GPs looking to add CEREC capability to their practice. There is definitely a noticeable shift in the marketplace to expand into what is being called the “largest growth opportunity” of the next 10 years. Technological and procedural advancements have led to higher implant success rates and decreased treatment time; these factors along with changing demographics and increased insurance coverage have created the perfect storm for a boom in implantology. Many GPs are pursuing advanced education and technology now to prepare themselves for the implant opportunities of tomorrow. So the question becomes, how can CEREC help position your practice for implant success? Simply put, it equips you with the tools necessary to keep the procedure (and additional revenue) within your own practice. Here is an overview of the CEREC Integrated Implantology Workflow (source: www.integrated-implantology.com):

I hope this information has provided you with at least a general understanding of the CEREC integrated implantology workflow. For additional information, I recommend you visit advanced education sites like www.cerecdoctors.com or www.cadstar.org.

For information on which CEREC systems offered by CAD/CAM HERO, LLC will help meet your implant needs, please give us a call at (844) 385-4376 or visit www.cadcamhero.store. Thanks for visiting!

A collection of maintenance videos produced by CADStar.tv organized in one place for your convenience: How to Calibrate Your CEREC Bluecam, How to Calibrate Your CEREC Omnicam, How to Calibrate Your CEREC MC XL, How to Calibrate Your Ivoclar Oven, How to Maintain Your MC, MC X or MC XL Milling Unit, How to Unblock Your MC XL Waterport, How to Clean Your MC XL Water Tank.